Kits for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) antigens

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel retrovirus isolated from patients in West Africa that is capable of causing lymphadenopathies and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus, which was originally designated "LAV type II", "LAV-II", or "West African AIDS retrovirus", has been subsequently renamed the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Two isolates were obtained, characterized, and designated HIV-2MIR and HIV-2ROD (C.N.C.M. deposit nos. I-502 and I-532, respectively). Radioimmunoprecipitation (RIPA) and Western blot analyses involving patient antisera identified viral proteins with molecular weights of 16 Kd (p16), 26 Kd (p26), 130-140 Kd (gp130-140), and 36 Kd (gp36). The claimed invention is directed toward kits for the detection of HIV-2 antigens comprising polyclonal and monoclonal antisera directed against these proteins.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A kit for detection an HIV-2 antigen in a biological preparation comprising: 
       (a) a container comprising at least one antibody, which specifically binds to a protein of HIV-2, wherein said protein is selected from the group consisting of gp36, p16, and p26 of HIV-2 MIR or HIV-2 ROD, deposited at the COLLECTION NATIONALE DES CULTURES DE MICRO-ORGANISMES (CNCM) under No. I-502 and No. I-532, respectively; and  
       (b) a container comprising detection means for identifying immunological complexes formed between said antibody and said protein of HIV-2.  
     
     
       2. The kit of claim  1 , wherein said antibody which specifically binds to a protein of HIV-2 is monoclonal. 
     
     
       3. The kit of claim  1 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp36. 
     
     
       4. The kit of claim  2 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp36. 
     
     
       5. The kit of claim  1 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp16. 
     
     
       6. The kit of claim  2 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp16. 
     
     
       7. The kit of claim  1 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp26. 
     
     
       8. The kit of claim  2 , wherein said protein of HIV-2 is gp26.